Narine undergoes testing for offbreaks

Embattled West Indies and Kolkata Knight Riders offspinner Sunil Narine has once again retested himself, this time for his offbreak which the BCCI had banned him from bowling on Wednesday. Narine took the test today in Chennai at the ICC-accredited Sri Ramachandra Arthroscopy and Sports Sciences Centre.

After a fair amount of his deliveries were reported by the match officials during Knight Riders' away match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 22, Narine underwent testing last weekend. The tests revealed that Narine had a flex in his elbow while delivering the offspin delivery. Consequently, the BCCI, while allowing Narine to play in the IPL, made it clear that the he could not bowl his stock ball. Among other deliveries that were tested and cleared were his knuckle ball and straighter delivery.

According to an official privy to the test, it is understood that during the testing last week, Narine was noticed drifting towards delivering the offbreak with his older action. On Thursday, Narine bowled offspin with his remodelled action. If he can use that delivery only if he is cleared. The results are likely to be out in a few days.

Although the Knight Riders franchise has strongly supported Narine and mentioned he continues to be available for selection, experts like former Indian left-arm spinner Murali Kartik believes that it would hurt Narine if he is rushed back, especially without his go-to delivery.

Narine missed out on playing against Chennai Super Kingsh on Tuesday, and will once again sit out in the home match against the same opponent tonight.